The Ohio State University Department of Astronomy

Astronomy & Astrophysics Minor Requirements

Astronomy & Astrophysics Minor Requirements

Requirements for the Minor in Astronomy & Astrophysics

The minor in astronomy and astrophysics consists of at least 12 credit hours of course work beyond the introductory calculus-based Physics courses (Physics 1250 and 1251, or equivalents), the introductory calculus courses (Math 1151 and 1152, or equivalents), and an introductory programming course (Astron 1221 or 2250 or CSE 122x or equivalent).

Courses at the 1000-level and GE-level Astronomy courses (numbered 2144 and below) may not be counted towards completion of the minor program.

The most up-to-date minor guidelines can always be found on the College of Arts and Sciences website.

If you wish to pursue any variation to the requirements, please consult with the Astronomy Undergraduate Academic Advisor.

Required Prerequisites1

Required Prerequisite Courses (17-30 cr.)Credit Hours

Mathematics coursework:

Math 1151 (5 cr.) - Calculus I and Math 1152 (5 cr.) - Calculus II;
or equivalent.

Alternatively, this can be completed by either taking one accelerated calculus course:

  • Math 1181H (5 cr.)
  • Math 4181H (5 cr.)

or by taking any one of the following Calculus I equivalents:

  • Math 1140 (4 cr.) and 1141 (4 cr.)
  • Math 1151 (5 cr.)
  • Math 1154 (4 cr.)
  • Math 1156 (5 cr.)
  • Math 1161.01 (5 cr.)

and any one of the following Calculus II equivalent courses:

  • Math 1152 (5 cr.)
  • Math 1155 (4 cr.)
  • Math 1172 (5 cr.)
  • Math 2162.01 (5 cr.)

Please note that not all possible combinations of courses listed are valid pathways, as each course may require a specific prerequisite, placement, and/or permission to pursue.

See the Mathematics Department website for more details on Math courses.

5-13

Physics 1250 (5 cr.) - Mechanics, Work and Energy, and Thermal Physics; or equivalent.

Possible equivalents:

  • Physics 1248 (4 cr.) and 1249 (3 cr.)
  • Physics 1250H (5 cr.)
  • Physics 1260 (5 cr.)
  • Physics 1270 (5 cr.)
5-7

Physics 1251 - E&M, Waves, Optics, and Modern Physics; or equivalent.

Possible equivalents:

  • Physics 1251H
  • Physics 1261
  • Physics 1271
5

Introductory programming class - one of:

  • Astron 1221 (3 cr.) - Astronomy Data Analysis (SP26 and earlier)
  • Astron 2250 (3 cr.) - Foundations of Astronomical Observation and Data Analysis (SP27 and later)
  • CSE 1222 (3 cr.) - Introduction to Programming in C++
  • CSE 1223 (3 cr.) - Introduction to Programming in Java
  • CSE 1224 (3 cr.) - Introduction to Programming in Python
  • Engr 1221 (2 cr.) - Introduction to Programming in MATLAB
  • Engr 1281H (5 cr.) - Honors Fundamentals of Engineering I
2-5

Minor Program

The following 10 hours of courses are required:

Required Courses (10 cr.)Credit Hours
Astron 2291 - Basic Astrophysics and Planetary Astronomy33
Astron 2292 - Stellar, Galactic, and Extragalactic Astronomy & Astrophysics    3
Astron 3350 - Methods of Astronomical Observation and Data Analysis4

To complete the 12 credit hours required for the minor, pick one course option from the following list of minor electives:

Minor Elective Courses (2-4 cr.) - complete one of the following:                                Credit Hours
Astron 3810 (1 cr.) Order of Magnitude Astronomy
and Astron 4810 (1 cr.) Advanced Order of Magnitude		2
Astron 5205 or EarthSc 5205 - Planetary Science3
Astron 5550 - Advanced Astronomical Data Analysis23
Astron 5681 - Principles of Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis23
Astron 5682 - Introduction to Cosmology23
Physics 2300 - Intermediate Mechanics 12,34
Physics 3470 - Optics33

Notes:

  1. The prerequisites listed here are required for all minors. However, depending on the student's choice of Minor Elective course(s), additional prerequisites may be required.
     
  2. These courses have additional Math and/or Physics course prerequisites beyond what the minor requires. Check the department websites or Course Catalog Search for the full prerequisites for Astronomy courses and Physics courses.
     
  3. No overlap is permitted between a student's major (or other minor) and the Astronomy & Astrophysics minor. This has the following effects:
    • Students in the following programs may not select Physics 2300 for their Minor Elective course:
      • Earth Sciences major, Geophysics subprogram
      • Engineering Physics major
      • Mathematics major, Applied (Physics) track
      • Physics major
      • Physics minor
      • Science and Mathematics Education major, Integrated Science licensure option
      • Science and Mathematics Education major, Physics licensure option
         
    • Students in the Physics major, Physics minor, and Engineering Physics major must also be careful to not double count Physics 3470, if they plan to take it for their Minor Elective course.
       
    • Students in the Science and Mathematics Education major, Physics licensure option who wish to pursue the minor should discuss with Astronomy Advising to find an appropriate substitute for Astron 2291.